Internships

Employers agree that the strongest candidates have both solid academic preparation and practical, on-the-job experience gleaned from internships.
US Capitol building

Political Science students have many paths for securing internships and receiving academic credit.

Whether arranging your own placement or participating in an organized program, you'll gain valuable professional skills, expand your network, and explore potential career paths. 


Any Semester

Students can earn credit while interning part-or full-time during the fall, spring, or summer semester.  


 

Any Location

 
Students majoring or minoring in political science have gained valuable experience interning in settings around the country. Many of these students received Job-Ready Awards that provided funding for living expenses.

Campaign for Hoosier Families, Lafayette, IN
Church World Service’s Advocacy and Policy Group, Washington, D.C.
Cook County State’s Attorney, Chicago, IL
C-SPAN, Washington, D.C.
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Guggenheim Museum, New York City
Indianapolis Children’s Museum
Indiana General Assembly
Indiana State Department of Health
Indianapolis Office of the Mayor
Illinois State Board of Education
Kheprw Institute, Indianapolis, IN
Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL
National Public Radio, Washington, D.C.
Parkview Health Systems, Fort Wayne, IN
Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, Washington, D.C.
Republic of the Marshall Islands Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New York City
U.S. Congressman Susan Brooks of Indiana
U.S. Congressman Greg Stanton of Arizona
U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski of Indiana
U.S. Congressman Peter Visclosky of Indiana
U.S. Federal Reserve Board, Washington, D.C.
U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, D.C.
USS Monitor Center at the Mariners’ Museum and Park, Virginia
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois
U.S. Senator Todd Young of Indiana
WISH-TV, Indianapolis, IN
 

No Course Prerequisites

You need only be a Political Science student in good standing.  


 
Indiana State House

Indiana State Legislative Spring Internship Program


Each spring semester, the Indiana General Assembly awards 50-60 internships. These are competitively awarded and are distributed among the colleges and universities in Indiana. Generally, about 12 Purdue students are chosen. To be eligible, you must be at least a junior and have at least a 3.0 GPA.  Approval for legislative internship credit is contingent upon the student securing a position in the Indiana General Assembly’s Intern Program run by the party caucuses in the House and Senate. More information.

 

Purdue resources help Political Science students succeed

CLA Advisors assist students in their progress towards earning a degree by providing mentorship and support during their time at Purdue. Advisors are knowledgeable about courses, study abroad and internship opportunities, and events.  Make an appointment with your advisor here.

Students can also consult this compilation of internship guidance and advice from Associate Professor of Practice and Director of Undergraduate Studies Melissa Will, a former CIA intelligence analyst.

The CLA Career Services helps students build confidence while developing an individually defined personal brand in which their values, interests and careers align. We leverage our relationships with employers, alumni, and campus partners positioning students to pursue effective, successful, and personally meaningful careers throughout their lives. Make an appointment here.
Campus-wide resources and events for undergraduate students.  Learn more here.
Students whose internships are unpaid or low-paid can apply for financial support enabling them to cover basic costs incurred while interning.  Learn more here.
Indiana State House